The Arms-Control Illusion

Updated Oct. 14, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

North Korea's apparent test of a nuclear weapon has once more put the international arms control system in the hot seat. This week the U.N. Security Council did muster 13 votes condemning the test, whatever that means, and today it is expected to vote on new nonmilitary sanctions against Pyongyang.

This is better than nothing, though how much better depends on the fine print and the political will to enforce it. China and Russia objected at first to the sternest punishment, especially to inspections of North Korean cargo...